1882 Dated Westley Richards Monkey Tail Carbine

~ 1882 Dated Westley Richards Monkey Tail Carbine ~

The Monkey Tail is a muzzle-loading, breech-loading caplock pistol/carbine/rifle much prized, the carbines by the Boer especially, for its long-range accuracy. Patented in March 1858 it has an astounding history, still being made in the late 1880’s and in military service until the turn of the century. A testament to the success of the Monkey Tail in government service is the fact that it was not declared obsolete until 1881. Monkey Tails dated between 1872 - 1885 were primarily exported to Africa.

Even after 1870 when the metallic cartridge breech loader was well established and proven, substantial numbers of Monkey Tails were still being manufactured and sold.  Production continued into the 1880's a date by which most other capping breechloaders had been consigned to the dustbin of history.  The greatest demand came from the Boers in South Africa; for them it was an ideal and practical weapon, at the time even more practical than a metallic cartridge gun.  Most of the Boers were poor farmers living in outlying districts; metallic cartridges could be hard to come by and expensive, yet most trading posts would have a supply of powder, caps, and lead.  The Monkey Tail used a paper combustible cartridge with a felt wad in the base to seal the breech on firing, although these cartridges could be bought, many owners preferred to make their own with a few simple tools that could be supplied with the gun.  A further advantage was that the gun could also be used as a muzzle-loader when no ready-made ammunition was available, an ideal weapon for the hardy veldt Boers whose survival could depend on a reliable and practical rifle.

Read more about it here: https://www.westleyrichards.com/theexplora/a-curious-twist-to-the-monkey-tails-tale/

Stamped on the barrel are the accepted calibres of .450 - .483.

On the left side of the barrel is the serial number 17767.

On the barrel "Whitworth Patent" is stamped.

On the trap door "Westley Richards Patent" is stamped and the triangle trademark is present.

On the right side, on the metal plate "Westley Richards & Co" is stamped and "1882" is stamped within the triangle trademark.

~ Condition ~

The woodwork is almost perfect. However, the metalwork does have some minor pitting. Unfortunately, the ramrod is missing and the ladder sight on the left side has snapped. The top ring is slightly loose. The bore is absolutely fantastic.

The Monkey Tail opens and closes with ease. The hammer half cocks, full cocks, and releases with a strong spring.

~ Dimensions ~

The barrel is 25 inches (63.5cm) and the overall length of the carbine is 41 inches (104cm).

CATAAOO/GS1500F4C